East St. Louis business owner opens McDonalds to help local economy

(KMOV) – A business owner opened a McDonald’s Friday in East St. Louis in an effort to change the area.

“This as a business decision, but in many ways, a personal decision,” said James Williams, the business’s owner. “I’m from St. Louis and wanted to be a part of the regeneration of East St. Louis and certainly 25th Street. It is our business district and to have and own a McDonald’s here is special.”

Community members say the opening of the new business is a big deal because it will boost the economy in the city and will add dozens of new jobs to the area.

The business opened Friday at the intersection of State and 25th Street.